Research techniques and education

What it Takes to Homeschool

Some may be wondering what does it take to homeschool. Below are some characteristics of the homeschool.

Time management

Being able to adhere to a schedule is a prerequisite for homeschooling. It is tempting to just kind of doing things whenever when you have this kind of freedom. However, in order to be successful, you have to hold yourself responsibility like your boss would. This is difficult for most people who are not used to autonomy.

This is not to say there should be no flexibility. Rather, the schedule should not be cheated because of laziness. There must be a set schedule for studying for the sake of behavior management of the children. If the child doesn’t know what to expect they may challenge you when you flippantly decide they need to study. Consistency is a foundational principle of homeschooling.

Discipline

Discipline means being able to do something even when you do not feel like doing it. In homeschooling, you have to teach whether you want to or not. Remember, sometimes we had to work at our jobs when we didn’t feel like it and the same with teaching in the home. If you’re tired you still have to teach, if you’re a little sick you still have to teach, if you’re angry you still have to teach.

The child is relying on you to provide them with the academic skills needed to compete in the world. This cannot be neglected for trivial reasons. Lesson plans are key. Either buy them or make them. Keep track of completed assignment and note the progress of the student.

Toughness

As a homeschooling parent, you are the only authority in the child’s life. This means all discipline falls under your jurisdiction. One reasons parents enjoy sending their kids to school is to burden the public school teachers with their own child’s poor behavior. “Let the school deal with him” is a common comment I have heard when I was a k12 teacher. However, when you teach as a homeschool parent only you have the pleasure of disciplining your child.

Discipline is not only about taking away privileges and causing general suffering for unacceptable behavior. Discipline also includes communicating clearly with your child to prevent poor behavior, have clear rules that are always enforced, as well as providing a stable environment in which to study.

Patience

Homeschooling also requires patience. For example, you are teaching a basic first-grade math concept to your child that takes several weeks for them to learn. Naturally, you start to get angry with the child and yourself for the lack of progress. You may even begin to question if you have what it takes to do this. However, after waiting for what seems an eternity they child finally gets it.

This is the reality of homeschooling. No matter how bad you think you are the child will eventually get it when they are ready. This requires patience in the parent and some confidence in their own ability to help their child to grow.

Conclusion

There are many more ideas I could share. However, this is sufficient for now. In general, I would not recommend homeschooling for the typical family as the above traits are usually missing in the parents. Many parents want to homeschool for emotional reasons. The problem with this is that when they feel bad they will not want to continue the experience. Homeschooling can involve love but it must transcend emotions in order to endure for several years.